U.S. patent number 4,311,334 [Application Number 06/088,029] was granted by the patent office on 1982-01-19 for universal towed vehicle wind umbrella.
Invention is credited to Maurice A. Jenkins.
United States Patent |
4,311,334 |
Jenkins |
January 19, 1982 |
Universal towed vehicle wind umbrella
Abstract
This invention relates to a universal, towed vehicle wind
umbrella for use on a towed vehicle having a projected frontal area
of a given size in combination with a towing vehicle having a
projected frontal area of a smaller given size than that of said
towed vehicle to thereby provide an aerodynamically improved
combination of a towing and towed vehicle set. The wind umbrella
includes a first section releasably secured to the towed vehicle. A
second section is releasably secured to the towing vehicle. The
final component of the wind umbrella is an adjustably flexible
middle section integrally secured respectively to the first section
and the second section to thereby form an aerodynamically efficient
vehicle set.
Inventors: |
Jenkins; Maurice A. (North
Versailles, PA) |
Family
ID: |
22208879 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/088,029 |
Filed: |
October 25, 1979 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/180.4;
105/20; 280/403; 296/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D
35/001 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B62D
35/00 (20060101); B62D 035/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;296/1S,91 ;105/17,20
;280/403 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Mitchell; David M.
Assistant Examiner: Stack, Jr.; Norman L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Williamson; Harold A.
Claims
What is claimed as new:
1. A universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella for use on a towed
vehicle having a projected frontal area of a given size in
combination with a towing vehicle having a projected frontal area
of a smaller given size than that of said towed vehicle to thereby
provide an aerodynamically improved combination of a towing and
towed vehicle set, said wind umbrella comprising
a first section having only a pair of vertical sides and a top side
which are integrally connected to said pair of vertical sides
releasably secured to and over the sides and top of said towed
vehicle, and
a second flexible moulded section which mounts over a portion of
the roof of said towing vehicle and is releasably secured thereto,
and
an adjustably flexible middle section integrally secured
respectively to said first section and to said second section to
thereby form a three sided universally mountable and
aerodynamically efficient vehicle set, when said vehicle set is
moving,
said first, middle and second sections, upon release from said
towing vehicle for storage on said towed vehicle thereby freeing
said towing vehicle from being encumbered by said wind umbrella
while operating away from the towing and towed vehicle set.
2. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 1 wherein
said towed vehicle has a plurality of surface mounted fasteners
which cooperate with said first section to allow said first section
to be releasably secured to said towed vehicle.
3. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 2 wherein
said second section includes magnetic fastening integrally formed
in said second section to thereby allow said first section to be
releasably secured to said towing vehicle.
4. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 3 wherein
said adjustably flexible middle section is fashioned of accordion
pleated material.
5. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 4 wherein
the material of said adjustably flexible middle section is
transparent plastic.
6. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 4 wherein
said second section includes means to adjustably fit a plurality of
towing vehicles each having a different projected frontal areas,
said different projected frontal areas always being less than said
projected frontal area of said towed vehicle.
7. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 4 wherein
said adjustably flexible middle section includes at least one air
scoop opening to provide ventilation to the region between said
towed and towing vehicle, which region is covered by said middle
section of said wind umbrella.
8. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 3 wherein
said adjustably flexible middle section includes an opening to
allow passage of exhaust pipe.
9. The universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella of claim 3 wherein
means are provided to secure said first and said second section to
each other independently of said middle section to thereby allow
said adjustably flexible middle section to be compressed and stored
between said first and said second sections.
Description
This invention relates to a universal towed vehicle wind
umbrella.
More specifically, this invention relates to a universal, towed
vehicle wind umbrella for use on a towed vehicle having a projected
frontal area of a given size in combination with a towing vehicle
having a projected frontal area of a smaller given size than that
of said towed vehicle to thereby provide an aerodynamically
improved combination of a towing and towed vehicle set. The wind
umbrella includes a first section releasably secured to the towed
vehicle. A second section is releasably secured to the towing
vehicle. The final component of the wind umbrella is an adjustably
flexible middle section integrally secured respectively to the
first section and the second section to thereby form an
aerodynamically efficient vehicle set.
The energy crisis and rapidly escalating fuel costs have induced
renewed vigor into efforts directed to reduce fuel consumption and
improve the efficiency of over the highway vehicles. Automobiles
have been streamlined to facilitate air flow over the auto and
thereby reduce drag. Even tractor trailer truck combinations have
been designed with the thought of improved aerodynamic efficiency
and drag reduction. There exist, however, a vast fleet of tractor
trailer trucks, as well as auto-travel trailer combinations that
inherently present aerodynamically poor and fuel inefficient
frontal profiles while in transit.
These aerodynamically poor and fuel inefficient profiles have
provided the catalyst for creative thought in respect of ways and
means to improve the aerodynamic characteristics and the related
fuel efficiency of these tractor trailer and auto-travel trailer
combinations.
Typical of these efforts is that shown in the DeVaughn U.S. Pat.
No. 3,425,740 for streamlining apparatus for use with tractor
trailers and auto-travel trailer combinations. DeVaughn provides
rigid pivoted fairings to deflect the wind. The fairings when not
in use are stored above the travel vehicle.
Another approach is that provided by the Johnson U.S. Pat. No.
4,030,779 for an inflatable streamlining structure for vehicles in
which Johnson mounts inflatable bags or streamlining devices on the
front of the towed trailers.
Yet another approach is that shown in the Keedy U.S. Pat. No.
4,142,753 for a vehicle drag reducer which employs rigid air
deflector secured to the tractor of a tractor-trailer
combination.
Each of the above patents have advanced the state of the art but
have fallen short of providing a universal scheme for use in
tractor-trailer, as well as auto-travel trailer combinations when
there is a great variety of frontal area configurations provided by
the towing vehicle.
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a
towed and towing vehicle set with a universal aerodynamically
efficient apparatus that allows for a variety of different vehicles
to efficiently tow a larger vehicle that has a projected frontal
area that is larger than the towing vehicle.
Another object of the invention is to provide a wind umbrella that
may be secured to a towing vehicle and to be stored on the towed
vehicle when the towed vehicle is not in use.
Yet another object of this invention is the provision of an
adjustably flexible apparatus that interconnects the towed and
towing vehicle set and is relatively transparent thereby enhancing
the driver rear view visability when the vehicle set is
maneuvering.
In the attainment of the foregoing objects the invention a
universal, towed vehicle, wind umbrella for use on a towed vehicle
having a projected frontal area of a given size in combination with
a towing vehicle having a projected frontal area of a smaller given
size than that of the towed vehicle to thereby provide an
aerodynamically improved combination of a towing and towed vehicle
set. The wind umbrella consists of a first section which is
releasably secured to the towed vehicle. In one embodiment of the
invention the towed vehicle has a plurality of surface mounted
fasteners which cooperate with the first section to allow the first
section to be releasably secured to the towed vehicle.
A second section is releasably secured to the towing vehicle and
one embodiment this is accomplished through the use of magnetic
fasteners.
An adjustably flexible middle section is integrally secured between
and respectively to the first and the second sections. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention the flexible middle section
is fashioned of an accordion pleated transparent plastic
material.
One embodiment of the invention includes air scoops in the flexible
middle section to allow air to be forced into the region between
the towed and towing vehicle to thereby ensure proper ventilation
of equipment that might be stored in the space between the two
vehicles. The air scoop and the resultant air flow also enhance the
removal of exhaust emissions that may become trapped in the space
between the two vehicles. When an auto is the towing vehicle the
exhaust if not forcefully vented could enter the rear compartment
of the auto with a resultant toxic effect on the auto's
occupants.
The preferred embodiment of the invention additionally provides
means to secure the first and the second section to each other
independently of the middle section to thereby allow the adjustably
flexible middle section to be compressed and stored between the
first and the second sections.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become
apparent from the description and claims:
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a tractor-trailer combination with the
apparatus containing the invention shown in place.
FIG. 1a is a schematic top view of a tractor-trailer combination
embodying the invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a tractor-trailer combination with the
apparatus embodying the invention shown in a stored condition.
FIG. 1b is a partial cross-section taken along the line 1b--1b in
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the tractor-trailer combination embodying
the invention as shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3a is a partial section taken along the line 3a--3a in FIG.
3.
FIG. 4 is a side view of an auto-travel trailer combination
illustrating the use of the invention.
FIG. 5 depicts a vehicle wind umbrella roof mounting structure.
Reference is now made to FIG. 1 in which there is illustrated a
side view of tractor 11 and trailer 12 combination with wind
umbrella 14 of the invention shown between the tractor 11 and the
trailer 12. Depicted above the cab 13 of the tractor 11, as well as
the trailer 12 are air currents shown by arrows 10, 15 and 20. The
wind currents move smoothly over the entire structure as
tractor-trailer vehicle set 11, 12 moves in the direction indicated
by arrow 25.
For purposes of explanation only reference is momentarily made to
FIG. 2 to illustrate the wind flow drag problem that the invention
overcomes. FIG. 2 serves two purposes. The first is to show the
wind umbrella 14 in a stored position prior to being placed in its
operative mode as shown in FIG. 1.
The second purpose of FIG. 2 is to show the typical turbulent wind
flow patterns that arise when a towed vehicle moves forward without
the presence of the invention in its operative mode. Accordingly,
attention is directed to air flow arrows 28, 29, 30, 35 and 38
which create fuel robbing inefficiencies due to turbulence when the
wind umbrella of the invention is not employed.
It should be understood of course that the vehicle set with the
wind umbrella embodying the invention would not in normal use
travel with the wind umbrella 14 in a stored position.
Returning to FIG. 1 it can be seen that the wind umbrella 14 can be
described as having three sections. The first section 16 is shown
releasably secured to trailer 12 by fasteners of which only one,
namely, fastener 21 is referenced. The details of the first section
16 and fastener 21 will be described more fully hereinafter when
FIG. 1b which shows the details is explained.
The second section 31 as it is termed is at the opposite end of the
wind umbrella 14. The second section is more aptly described as a
flexible molded second section which mounts over the roof of the
tractor cab 13. The second section 31 may be formed of plastic or
other suitable material that will flex in a manner that will
provide a snug fit as shown by arrow 34 on the roof of cab 13.
The second section 31 as shown releasably secured by fasteners two
of which 32, 33 are referenced. The details of these fasteners 32,
33 are the same as that shown in cross-section in FIG. 1b which
figure will now be described.
FIG. 1b shows the details of construction of the first section 16.
In this figure the middle section 14 is shown made of plastic and
having flexible plastic pleat 17 secured to it by means of a pair
of bonding strips 18, 19 which may be cemented or bonded by heat
and pressure. A protective plate 22 is bonded to the first section
16 and a fastener pin 23 secured at one to the wall of trailer 12,
by means not shown. The fastener pin 23 has at other end a pivoted
rod 24 that can be rotated into vertical alignment with the
fastener pin 23. When the pivoted rod 24 is rotated to the position
shown the first section 16 is held in place against the body of the
trailer 12. A pleat support rod 26 is shown encapsulated in the
flexible plastic pleat material between pleats 17 and 39.
Mounted on the second section are a pair of flexible storage straps
36, 37 which have fasteners of the type shown in FIG. 1b at either
end. In FIG. 2 these flexible storage straps are shown positioned
with one end respectively over storage strap fastener pins 41,
42.
The third section of the wind umbrella 14 includes flexible plastic
pleats 17, 39, 40 and 43. This plastic may be transparent to allow
visability through the wind umbrella from the cab 13. These pleats
17, 39, 40 and 43 may be formed of a flexible thermosetting plastic
that has a memory in respect of its tendency to return to a folded
condition. The "memory" spoken of here is similar to that which is
present in a typical telephone cord that is wound into a
cylindrically shaped coil.
Each of the pleats 17, 39, 40 for example is separated and
supported by pleat support rods 26 and 27. The pleat support rods
may be made of plastic or light metal which is preferably tubular
in cross-section. The manner in which the support rods are
connected to the flexible plastic pleats can be seen in FIG.
1b.
From the above description of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 it should be
readily appreciated that the third section described is adjustably
extensible in the same fashion that an accordion is adjustably
extensible.
This third section also may include air scoop ducts 46 and 47 which
can best be seen in a combined study of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The air
scoops provide a dual purpose. When the trailer 12 has an air
conditioning unit mounted on the front thereof (a situation not
depicted here) the air conditioner condensing coils will be
furnished with a supply of cooling air. The air scoop also enhances
the removal of trapped exhaust fumes that may arise between the
towing and towed vehicle and somehow seep back into the passenger
compartment of the towing vehicle.
This third section may also include take-up straps 68, 69 which can
be secured to releasable fasteners 70, 71 in the event that trailer
12 is used with a tractor that fits closer to the trailer 12.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 in which there is shown in the
middle section of the wind umbrella 14 a flap 52 which is provided
to allow for the presence of an exhaust pipe 51 and its passage
there through.
The details of the flap arrangement 52 are best seen in FIG. 3a
where the flap 51 is shown pulled away from the closed position
indicated in FIG. 3. In the pulled away position shown the exhaust
pipe 51 can be seen, as well as a Velcro fastener surfaces 53, 54.
A zipper could well be substituted for the Velcro fastener.
FIG. 1a shows the dynamic action of the wind umbrella between
tractor 11 and trailer 12 as the vehicle set is maneuvering. It
should be noted that the clear plastic construction noted earlier
allow for a relatively unobstructed view from the rear window of
the truck cab.
Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which shows the universal wind
umbrella 56 of the invention in an extended position between a
towed travel trailer 55 and a towing auto 50. Also shown in dotted
outline 67 is the wind umbrella in a position approaching a full
stored condition of the type depicted in FIG. 2. The details of the
manner in which the first section 54 is secured to the travel
trailer 55 are the same as that described in respect of FIG. 1 and
the trailer 12 first section 16 description.
FIG. 4 shows a variation of the construction details of the second
section 57. The second section 57 depicted here would also be
formed of a flexible plastic material, however, the material would
include preformed slits such as slits 58, 59 and 60. These slits
would allow the second section to fit a variety of auto rear
cross-sectional configurations. In place of fasteners of the type
described in respect of FIG. 1, the second section would have
magnetic material 61, 62, 63 embedded within the second section.
These magnets would hold the second section securely to the auto in
much the same manner that citizen band radio antennas are presently
secured to the roof structures of autos today. Should further
security be desired the user of the wind umbrella might add an
elastic rope 64 with a hook 65 secured to a fender 66. The elastic
rope 64 would of course be threaded through loops not shown on the
second section, pass over the second section 57 and be secured to a
fender on the other side of the auto not shown.
Air scoops one of which 49 is shown would also be included to
enhance accumulated exhaust gas reduction from the region between
the auto 50 and travel trailer 55.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is a zipper 48 positioned at a point near the
rear of the auto's back bumper shown in dotted outline but not
referenced. The zipper 48 allows access to the auto's trunk when
the vehicle set is at rest. The zipper 48 provides a releasable
opening. Any suitable fastener, such as, but not limited to a
Velcro fastener would also be acceptable.
FIG. 5 shows the cross-sectional detail of another manner of
securing the second section to a roof structure of an auto or
trailer. There are included a plurality of magnets or suction cups
68, 69, 70, 71 and 72 secured to the roof structure 73. A flat
second section leading edged support rod 74 is fastened by means
not shown to all of the magnets or suction cups just referenced.
The ends 75, 76 of the leading edge support rod 74 are secured by
adjustable straps 77,78 to roof gutters 79, 80. A lead edge hold
down bar 81 has secured between it and the leading edge support rod
74 the leading edge 82 of a second section. A plurality bolts and
wing nuts 83, 84, 85 and 86 apply the force necessary to secure the
leading edge 82 of the second section secure from disturbance by
even the strongest combination of vehicle speed and head wind.
Although two embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that various changes and modifications may be made to these
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention as
set forth in the claims.
* * * * *